Today the House of Commons held a general debate on NATO and
international security. During the debate, highlighted the recent report
[copy attached] of the 1922 Defence Committee, which he chairs.
John Baron said:
“The consensus achieved today in this debate is essential if we
are to move the dial on defence spending in this country. It is
therefore very welcome and we trust our leaders will listen. As
someone who served in the 1980s in Germany, Berlin, Northern
Ireland and with the UN elsewhere, I commend those men and women
serving in the Armed Forces who are prepared to make the ultimate
sacrifice in order to protect the liberties we enjoy today.”
“Ukraine has indeed served as a wake-up call, and given fresh
purpose to NATO. For too long the West has been complacent,
believing that democracy would sweep the field at the end of the
Cold War. But democracy is a fragile construct, as highlighted
last year on Capital Hill. It needs nurturing, encouraging and
defending. We need to spend more on both our hard and soft power
assets in its defence.”
“Our 1922 Defence Committee report solicited views from across
the Parliamentary party. It was published last week, and we now
await a meeting with No 10 and the Prime Minister. Backbenchers
are adamant that the conclusions of Integrated Review and Defence
Command Paper need to be revisited, that the associated military
cuts be halted immediately and that a threat-based review carried
out, post-Ukraine, which is supported by increased defence
spending in real terms.”
“Other recommendations within the report recognise the vital
importance of our service personnel’s well-being, as well as the
extent and strength of our weaponry and manpower. It also argues
that the nuclear deterrent should not be included in the defence
budget, as it is a strategic asset – the days of including it to
make a headline GDP figure are over.”
“In conclusion, we need to talk softly and carry a big stick if
we are to defend what we cherish. We now await the response from
No 10.”
